1.1.1.

Lattice Translation Vectors

An n-D lattice is defined by n fundamental translation vectors { }
1
, ,
n
a a L
.
A 2-D lattice is often called a net (see Chapter 18).
By definition, a lattice loos e!actly the same at any 2 points r and r related by

1 1 n n
u u = + + + r r a a L
"ith
1
, ,
n
u u L
inte#ers (1)
Con$ersely, for a #i$en r, the set of all points r satisfyin# (1) forms a lattice.
%he parallelopiped formed usin# { }
1
, ,
n
a a L
as sides is called a unit cell.
&ote that a lattice is an abstract mathematical structure. 'ne must attach a basis of
atoms to each lattice point to form a physical crystal structure(
basis ) lattice crystal (2)
%his means there is an infinite number of basis-lattice combinations that describe the
same crystal structure.
%he lattice, and the correspondin# lattice $ectors { }
1
, ,
n
a a L
, are said to be primitive
if any 2 points r and r from "hich the atomic arran#ement loos the same are related
by (1). A unit cell formed usin# the primitive lattice vectors as sides is called a
primitive unit cell. *t can be sho"n that the $olumes of all primiti$e unit cells are the
same and the smallest amon# all possible unit cells.
%he crystal axes are described by a set of suitably chosen lattice $ectors { }
1
, ,
n
a a L
.